Mobile OS Privacy Features and Advice Content Around Data Privacy Day
Apple rolled out a new iOS feature on select recent iPhone and cellular iPad models that, when enabled, reduces the precision of location data shared with a user’s cell carrier, aiming to make it harder for law enforcement, spies, and criminals to obtain precise location via telecom providers. Apple said the change does not reduce location precision shared with apps or with first responders during emergency calls, and initial support is limited to specific devices on iOS 26.3 and a small set of carriers in markets including Germany, Thailand, the UK, and the US; the move lands amid ongoing concerns about carrier targeting and telecom surveillance, including reported China-linked intrusions into major US carriers.
Samsung separately described an upcoming Galaxy privacy feature intended to mitigate “shoulder surfing” by obscuring on-screen content in public settings, with configurable visibility controls for apps, sensitive entry fields, and notification pop-ups. A third item is a generic privacy tips article tied to Data Privacy Day that recaps Apple ecosystem features (e.g., Safari anti-tracking, a Passwords app, Hide My Email, and app hiding/locking) rather than reporting a specific new security event or disclosure.
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